Council condemns road salt thieves

Thieves have been accused of risking drivers' lives after several quantities of roadside rock salt were stolen in Somerset.

As invaluable for drivers ascar insurance andbreakdown cover, the salt is a vital resource in helping to keep the roads safe during sub-zero temperatures.

Somerset County Council said the salt had been taken from various locations in the county, with incidents at Cutcombe, Fitzhead and Crowcombe.

Councillor Harvey Siggs said: "I am saddened and furious. I've been asking that we tackle winter together and here we are, while the weather is still remarkably mild, talking about some selfish thieves robbing the taxpayer of a vital resource.

"Somerset County Council is encouraging a self-help attitude to dealing with winter weather, not help yourself. I don't want a repeat of last year when we lost nearly 25 tonnes of salt to thefts when supplies ran low.

"The victims of these crimes will be the motorists stranded alone in the most inhospitable and remote places in Somerset because I can't guarantee we will be replacing every stolen bag."